Onboarding Guidelines for Partners
CSG Forte’s onboarding process is designed to ensure that new merchant relationships are compliant, low-risk, and sustainable. The guidelines detail what merchants and partners can expect when applying for a merchant processing account, including required documentation, timelines, website requirements, and prohibited business types.
Key Points:
Objective: To accept merchants who provide long-term value with minimal risk.
Application Review:
Auto-approval for clean applications.
Manual review for high-risk or incomplete applications.
SLA for Reviews:
API/Online submissions: 3 business days.
PDF/email submissions: Up to 7 business days.
Post-Approval:
Merchant enrolled within 1–2 business days.
Welcome email includes merchant ID and additional info.
Website Review Criteria:
Match between business description and online content
Clear contact info and customer service policies
Pricing, currency, and location consistency
No OFAC-sanctioned countries referenced
Documentation May Include:
ID (required for Canadian applicants)
Business formation and tax documents
Financials (especially for high-volume merchants)
Marketing materials or proof of service authorization
High-Volume Merchant Thresholds:
Transactions ≥ $250,000
Monthly volume ≥ $2 million
Require audited financials or tax returns + unaudited financials
First Transaction Review:
CSG Forte may request additional documents to verify first transactions.
Prohibited Merchant Types:
Merchants offering high-risk products or services (as defined by CSG Forte, sponsor banks, and card brands) are not eligible for processing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does the onboarding process take?
3 business days (API/online app with manual review)
Up to 7 business days (PDF/email submissions)
1–2 business days post-approval for account setup
2. What causes an application to be manually reviewed?
Incomplete or inaccurate information
High-risk merchant types
Failed automated validation checks
3. What documents are required?
Varies by business and risk profile
May include government ID, bank statements, tax returns, incorporation documents, and more
4. What if my business processes large transactions or volumes?
You’ll need to submit audited financial statements and recent bank statements
If audited statements aren't available, submit unaudited financials + tax returns
5. What are CSG Forte's website requirements for merchants?
Website must match application info
Customer service and refund policies must be clearly posted
No content linked to OFAC-sanctioned countries
6. What happens if my business type is prohibited?
You will not be approved for processing
Review the Prohibited Merchant List before applying
7. What happens after my first transaction?
CSG Forte may review the transaction and request further documentation if needed
Would you like a one-pager or visual version of this FAQ/overview for use in a welcome packet or training material?
